Andy Flower has revealed that he wanted Graeme Swann to continue the remainder of England's disastrous Ashes tour before retiring from the sport.
The 34-year-old spinner decided to quit playing for his country earlier this month with immediate effect, meaning that he missed the fourth Test defeat to Australia in Melbourne.
"Graeme Swann has done an outstanding job for England over the last six or so years," Flower said in a press conference. "I think he's the seventh highest Test wicket-taker in English history.
"To do that over 60 Test matches is a great effort, and he's been a huge part of our success over the last few years. I've been very proud to have had him in the side, and I know he can retire very proudly.
"In saying that, I would have liked him to have seen the tour out."
The fifth and final Test gets underway in Sydney from Thursday, with England trailing 4-0.
